The announcement below appeared on Ebay's announcement board yesterday. It would appear that the often-misdescribed "swastika" chips may be banned from sale after May 17, even though we know that the chips pre-date the Nazi era. The only defense (perhaps) in listing them would be to ACCURATELY describe them! Isn't that a turn of events. I'm guessing that eBay won't allow listing them in any fashion. At least the eBay chip police will have one fewer problem chip to track.
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***eBay Broadens Policy Prohibiting Items Associated with Hate Groups***

It has long been eBay's policy to disallow the sale of items that promote hatred, violence or racism. As the eBay community expands to include many nations, it is important that our policy regarding these items be consistent throughout our global marketplace.

Early last year, eBay implemented a policy prohibiting the listing of items that promote or glorify hatred, violence or racial intolerance, or that promote organizations with such views. Until now, certain items pertaining to these organizations were allowed if they could be considered "historical objects", i.e. were at least 50 years old.

We are now broadening our prohibition to include more items, regardless of age. In addition, the current guidelines for items associated with notorious murderers are also being strengthened. This includes prohibiting personal belongings, letters and artwork created by such individuals, as well as novelty items bearing their names and images.

Examples of items that will generally be removed under the expanded guidelines are:

**Items that bear symbols of the Nazis and the Nazi SS, including authentic German WWII memorabilia;
**Items that bear symbols of the KKK or other hate groups;
**Crime scene photographs;
**Morgue and autopsy photographs;
**Letters and artwork from notorious murderers;
**T-shirts bearing the likeness of a notorious murderer;
**Copies of hate/racism/violence propaganda materials;
**Electric chairs and related capital punishment items.

Examples of items that may generally be listed include:
**German coins and stamps from the 1930s and 1940s, regardless of markings;
**German WWII memorabilia that doesn't bear Nazi or SS markings;
**Most historical books and movies about WWII or Nazi Germany, even if Nazi symbols appear on the item;
**War documentaries or documentary photos portraying victims of war or violence;
**Items of historical importance associated with acts of violence against public figures.

The new guidelines will take effect on May 17, 2001. At that point, all listings that include the prohibited items listed above may be ended.

We hope that these guidelines will make eBay a more comfortable and welcoming place for all members of our global community.

To read more about our policy on these listings, click here.

Regards,
eBay